Street Machines veteran takes his ride to the next level

Austin Haynes poses with his 1970 Chevy C-10 shortbed stepside. With the help of his dad, Steve, Haynes rebuilt the entire ride, an effort that won him a trip to Las Vegas and an entry into SEMA's Young Guns Battle of the Builders.Courtesy of Austin Haynes

Along with a trip to Las Vegas, Haynes got to meet his idol, Chip Foose, an automobile designer and star of Velocity's reality television series 'Overhaulin.' Foose autographed Haynes' tickets, even drawing a miniature sketch of Haynes' entry on it.Courtesy of Facebook/Austin Haynes

Haynes had an opportunity to meet and chat with his idol Chip Foose, an automobile designer and star of Velocity's reality television series 'Overhaulin.'Courtesy of Facebook/Austin Haynes

When Austin Haynes bought a used Chevy C-10 shortbed stepside, he was a high school sophomore looking for something to drive to school.

"It was really rough when we got it," he said of the truck he re-designed and re-built under the tutelage of his dad, Steve. "We got it home and started to pull it in the garage, and the seat fell through the floor."

The labor of love to restore the truck was a learning experience that took five years to complete.

"He didn't do it for me," Haynes said about his dad. "He supervised and taught me how to do the work."

Although the truck wasn't finished in time for Haynes to drive it in his senior homecoming parade, the five years of work has paid off in a way Haynes never imagined.

Haynes and his wife, Erica, spent last week in Las Vegas as guests of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for the 2017 show where Haynes' truck was entered in the Battle of the Builders competition.

Haynes earned the trip as a regional Young Guns winner from his entry at the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin. "I've won three times there," he said. In 2014, Haynes received an award of excellence. In 2015 he became the first recipient of the Top 5 Driver Memorial. In 2017, he earned the Young Guns qualifier award and subsequent entry into the Las Vegas show.

"In 2016, I didn't get the paper into the window in time for judging," he said with a grin.

While Haynes originally purchased his truck for about $1,500, he estimates that he's put about $30,000 into the rebuilding. "I've turned down offers," he said. "It's not just what it's worth monetarily, which is what someone is willing to give you. It's the effort that was put in on it."

The Young Guns program is specifically for builders age 27 or younger who were selected by partnering organization. Along with the all-expenses-paid trip for two, Haynes also landed a designated feature spot at the show and entry into the Battle of the Builders competition. The transportation of his vehicle to the show was included in the prize.

Haynes has shown his truck in a multitude of shows. "It's been to Cape Girardeau, the Street Machine Nationals four times, and both sides of Illinois," Haynes said. "We took it up to Brighton to the Best of the Best show. I drove it up, and it took six tanks of fuel to get it there."

Haynes said winning the qualifier at Du Quoin almost didn't happen.

"A week before the show I had the engine out," he said. "Then three days before the show I had the transmission out and had to re-build it and get it all put back together."

However, that win took him to a show in St. Paul, Minn., "the big Nationals," which he won outright, earning the trip to Las Vegas.

"The trophy they gave us in St. Paul was unbelievable," he said. "It was built out of top fuel dragster parts."

The 25-year-old corrections officer with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department still has two years left to compete in the Young Guns competitions.

"I just started working on a 1969 Mustang Mach I," he said. He also has a 1959 El Camino he hopes to re-design. "It will be a hot rod, something to drive to the shows and just hang out."

He hopes to win his way back. "That show (Battle of the Builders) was just unbelievable," he said. "There were 300 entries from all over the world. We didn't make it to the 40 cut, but still, it was just amazing."

Best of all, Haynes got to meet and chat with his idol, Chip Foose, an automobile designer and star of Velocity's reality television series "Overhaulin.'"

"I met him during lunch," he said. "Then I got the chance to talk to him and he even signed my tickets and drew a sketch of my truck on it."

The Battle of the Builders is the basis for a nationwide television special that will premiere on the Velocity Channel in January 2018.